3. Abram is told that the “nation” would not exist for 400 years (15:13-14).

4. Abram is promised a “land” for “thy seed” (15:18).

1. Abram is 85 years old when Ishmael is conceived (16:16).

2. Sarai’s request was socially and legally acceptable then.

a. Hagar (Egyptian Maid) is Sarai’s property.

b. “Primary” wife could provide “heir” by proxy.

c. Later, Jacob did so through Bilhah and Zilpah.

d. The Nuzi tablets authenticate this practice.

1) A library of tablets dating from 1600 to 1350 BC was located at Nuzi, an ancient trade center in Assyria. The site possibly had been settled since 3000 BC and was first called Gasur. Among the more interesting discoveries in the tablets were some of the social and religious practices of the periods as recorded in the deeds, wills, marriage agreements, and adoptions. They shed light on many of the customs that are documented in the Scriptures that may appear to us as being unusual.

In the case of a childless couple, the wife could locate another wife for the husband.

"If Gilimninu (the wife) will not bear children,
Gilimninu shall take a woman of Lulluland as a wife for Shennma (the husband)."

Sarah provided Hagar for Abraham (Genesis 16:3) for the purposes of bearing children. Should the first wife later bear a son, he would rank over a son born to the second wife. Such was the case when Isaac was born (Genesis 21:1-10).
[Source: Biblical Archaeology; Editor: H. Daily]

II. Abram and Sarai learn that “OK” is not always “Right”.

A. There are many polygamous marriages recorded in Scripture.

1. None met the standard set by God at creation.

2. None are happy marriages.

B. There are many “excuses” for this action.

1. Abram is getting “too old” (he is 85).

2. Sarai is barren – plenty of time and “proof” of her infertility.

3. God has been “silent” for several years.

4. God’s promise is 10 years old – not fulfilled.

5. “Everybody” does it and it’s perfectly “normal.”

6. Sarai (and maybe Hagar) is “sacrificing” for “the good.”

C. There are serious consequences to this incident.

1. Just as with Adam (Genesis 3:17) -- so now, Abram, “hearkened to the voice” of his wife.

3. Abram’s action impacted “many nations” (Arabs, Jews – and those who side with either of them).

D. There are several biblical principles involved.

1. “…to obey is better than sacrifice, and to hearken than the fat of rams.” (1 Samuel 15:22)

2. “…followers of them who through faith and patience inherit the promises.” (Hebrews 6:12)

3. “Cast not away therefore your confidence, which hath great recompense of reward. For ye have need of patience, that, after ye have done the will of God, ye might receive the promise.” (Hebrews 10: 35-36)

4. “And let us not be weary in well doing: for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not.” (Galatians 6:9)

5. “Therefore, my beloved brethren, be ye steadfast, unmoveable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, forasmuch as ye know that your labor is not in vain in the Lord.” (1 Corinthians 15:58)